Projects

The two types of doors that are easiest to open don't have hinges at all; instead, they slide on tracks. Sliding-glass doors are a popular feature in rooms with decks or patios because their full-length[more…]

A routine annual inspection and cleaning by a qualified, licensed heating contractor keeps your hot water heating system running for many years without trouble. But you can also keep an eye on the pressure[more…]

It pays to have a professional, licensed heating contractor check your steam system every year. But you can perform three important maintenance tasks on your steam heating system yourself. Caring properly[more…]

You don't need a cabinet full of commercial products to clean your kitchen and bathroom appliances. You can make your own household cleaners out of a few simple components. Here's what they are and what[more…]

How you clean your range depends on whether it's gas or electric. Suggestions for cleaning both types are outlined here. When cleaning a range top, pull off the upper and lower control knobs and wash them[more…]

Cleaning your oven helps keep it in peak operating condition. Because ovens come in several types, you choose the best cleaning method for your oven based on its type. For example, ovens can be gas or[more…]

Replacing your porch light with a security light is an easy afternoon project. Outdoor security lights use infrared or microwave sensors to light up whenever someone or something passes within a certain[more…]

Your washer and dryer are indispensible, and replacing them is expensive. Cleaning your washer and dryer and taking proper care of them will help prolong their lives and keep them in good running order[more…]

What's a little water under the house going to hurt, you ask? Excess moisture can lead to a glut of problems, such as repulsive odors, rotted framing, structural pests, foundation movement, efflorescence[more…]

A three-way switch is a handy convenience to control a light from two locations, such as at the top and bottom of a staircase. If the words On and Off aren't embossed on the switch and it's one of two[more…]

If a light switch fails to function, you should replace it. If the switch doesn't have the words On and Off embossed on its body and it's the center switch of three switches that control a single light[more…]

If a light switch fails to function, it should be replaced. Most modern switches have screw terminals on each side and may also have holes in the back to accept the end of the wire. Although plug-in connections[more…]

Replacing a standard single-pole or three-way switch with a dimmer switch is no different than replacing a standard switch. Remember: Dimmer switches don't work on most fluorescent fixtures, and low-voltage[more…]

If an outlet (commonly called a receptacle) no longer holds a plug snugly, it should be replaced. The procedure for replacing a duplex (two-outlet) wall receptacle is similar to that of replacing a switch[more…]

If you have a lamp with a loose socket that causes the lamp to flicker, to be difficult to turn on, or to just flat out refuse to light, you can replace the socket and give the lamp a new life. You can[more…]

A ceiling fan is a stylish and functional addition to any room. If you are planning to install a ceiling fan in a room that already has a ceiling outlet, wiring a ceiling fan is the same as wiring any[more…]

Residential ceiling fixtures come in many different shapes, and people have devised many ways to attach them to the ceiling. Most of the time, a central threaded hollow rod holds a chandelier in place.[more…]

When you're installing kitchen cabinets, hang the wall cabinets before you start the base cabinets. When it's time to install base cabinets, start on the same wall and corner where you installed the wall[more…]

If you're planning to paint large areas, you might want to consider using a sprayer. In the power arena, three types of sprayers are appropriate for do-it-yourselfers: the tank sprayer, the airless sprayer[more…]

Most interiors will look better if you just slap on a fresh coat of paint. However, you'll get results that are even more striking, and a longer-lasting paint job to boot, if you take special care in cleaning[more…]

Before you start painting an interior, check the walls carefully. You probably have a few minor dings or nail holes to repair. Buy a small container of spackling compound and apply it with a putty knife[more…]

After you have cleaned and repaired your interior surfaces, you have to caulk and mask before you start applying paint. Caulk covers a multitude of sins and prevents many problems from occurring. Masking[more…]

Although it's important for the body of a house to look nice, pay special attention when painting the trim, windows, and doors. These elements attract the most attention and are the most vulnerable to[more…]